CHARGERS NOTES: Chargers going easy in turning Lights back on

SAN DIEGO ---- Shawne Merriman continues to miss practice on a
rehab schedule that can only be categorized as conservative. The
Chargers aren't taking any chances with their star pass rusher on
his road to a full recovery from major knee surgery, hoping to
prevent a setback before the season starts in less than three
weeks.

"He wants to practice, which is a sign that he is feeling really
good," coach Norv Turner said. "We've monitored his reps during
games, because he doesn't need a lot of playing time. There isn't
much of anything he hasn't seen in a game. He's gotten work on the
practice field. He got 12 plays in the first preseason game and 20
or so in the second. That's enough to get him ready to play in
game."

That's why Merriman missed Monday's practice and sat out two
more on Tuesday.

While occasional soreness remains, Merriman says his physical
progress is on schedule. There are some mental hurdles, however,
that have proven difficult to clear.

"I'm still progressing," Merriman said. "I'll be 100 percent,
when I feel like I can go out there and do everything without
thinking about it. The thing is, I can do things but I'm still
thinking about it as opposed to reacting. It's not an issue of
whether I can do certain things, but you have to self-consciously
think about certain things when you're not 100 percent."

While it isn't always clear in the moment, Merriman can see
hesitation on tape.

The cause isn't easily quantified because it's based on feel,
but it's messing with parts of his game.

"There are certain things I can do better now than I did before
the injury, but there are other things I'm still progressing in,"
Merriman said. "My explosion is there. Turning the corner is there.
The timing, and knowing where I am in relation to the quarterback?
That's still off."

The outside linebacker's recovery remains a work in progress,
although sack-hungry fans already expect the world.

"The bar is set so high that sometimes expectations are
unrealistic," Merriman said. "Honestly though, I'm OK with that.
I'm going to out and test the impossible and see where it takes
me."

While Merriman acknowledges the road back has been rocky, he's
certain that he'll return to top form in time.

"Point blank, I'm going to be me at the end of the day,"
Merriman said. "I'm going to find the ball blindfolded and I'm
going to make plays. That's just how it is. My instincts are
sharp."

Gregory on the mend

Strong safety Steve Gregory missed four consecutive practices
and Saturday's preseason win over Arizona with the stomach flu, but
is starting to feel better. Turner said Gregory should be back to
practice soon.

"He wanted to practice this morning, but we're just being
cautious," Turner said. "We don't need to throw him out there and
have a setback. He actually smiled this morning. That's a positive
step."

"Pick city"

Defense dominated the afternoon practice. The defense
intercepted the Chargers' quarterbacks five times within a roughly
20-minute span. Quarterback Philip Rivers even threw back-to-back
interceptions late in practice, but Kevin Ellison's interception of
backup Billy Volek prompted some chirping from corner Antonio
Cromartie ---- who had two picks himself ---- and safety Eric
Weddle, both of whom yelled "Welcome to pick city!" from the
sideline.

Bolts notes

The Chargers completed their final two-a-day practice session of
training camp on Tuesday with a particularly spirited practice. The
team will practice Wednesday afternoon and have a walk-thru on
Thursday before camp formally breaks. Practice will be largely
closed to the media beginning Thursday as the team starts
game-planning for the first few regular-season games. … OLB Shawne
Merriman (rest), DE Vaughn Martin (abdomen/groin), OLB Jyles Tucker
(hamstring) and DE Jacques Cesaire (calf) missed both practices. TE
Antonio Gates (rest) and NT Jamal Williams (rest) missed the
afternoon session. ILB Brandon Siler returned to practice.